Leadership

In the modern construct, how is the concept of leadership viewed? Institutionalized instruction presents the idea of authority to individuals at a very young age. The way it is instructed dictates that when one has authority, then one is leading. As one progresses in age, the authority becomes synonymous with power. Since hierarchy has been a staple of human structure systems for hundreds (if not thousands) of years, the idea of leadership has become glorified in one way or another due to its perception.

Come back to 21st Century industrialized society. Everyone from motivational speakers to evangelical preachers talk about and postulate leadership as a goal for everyone to achieve. That goal is enticed with everything from money to power. The power to manipulate and command is the incentive of leadership… or is it really? It is so because of the way it is perceived. If its perception were altered, how would the idea of leadership be regarded?

This week’s video presents “Leadership” based on the writings of the book The Perspective Essays. The video addresses leadership from a motivational sense while also addressing other factors involved. The book itself addresses concepts that encourage self-motivation and self-direction more than it discusses leadership of any kind. Bear in mind that “leadership” is based on a dualistic ideal created through dualistic concepts and conditions: if it is not “this” it is “that,” that kind of thing. While some individuals stick to those ideals, it is not necessary to abide by them. This week’s video presents an alternate view of leadership which acknowledges self-motivated evolution over waiting for the “right” leadership to say the “right thing” to move everybody along.